UK drivers issued speed camera warning over common myth, tell me about this news in (https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/26585906.uk-drivers-issued-speed-camera-warning-common-myth/)
28-09-2026
The article from The Bolton News warns UK motorists against a widespread misconception regarding speed cameras on smart motorways that could lead to fines, points on their driving licence, or bans.
The Primary Myth: Gantry Cameras Only Work During Variable LimitsA common belief among UK drivers is that speed cameras mounted on smart motorway gantries only operate when the overhead matrix signs display a reduced variable speed limit (such as 50 mph or 60 mph).
Motoring experts, including Graham Conway from Select Car Leasing, highlighted that this is entirely false:
Gantry cameras are active 24/7.
Even when the overhead signs are blank, the cameras still enforce the national speed limit (70 mph) and capture drivers exceeding it.
The “10% + 2 mph” tolerance rule: There is no legal entitlement to a speed buffer. While the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) provides guidelines allowing officer discretion, the law states that going even 1 mph over the limit is technically an offence.
Speed vans must be visible: Enforcement vans and officers do not legally have to be visible or illuminated. They can operate in the dark or from concealed positions.
Flashing headlights to warn drivers: Flashing your lights to alert other road users of an upcoming speed van can technically be classified as wilfully obstructing an officer in the course of their duty under Section 89 of the Police Act 1997.
Speed awareness courses: Drivers caught speeding face a minimum penalty of a £100 fine and three points. Speed awareness courses are only offered at police discretion to eligible drivers travelling within a specific bracket (up to 10% + 9 mph over the limit) who have clean records and have not taken a course in the past three years. Drivers travelling over 86 mph on a motorway are not eligible.